New Year, New Beginnings: Could you Foster?

The New Year is a time in which all of us take time to evaluate our priorities and think about what we want out of the future. If you’re looking for a way to do something amazing in your community and change the lives of others, there’s no better time than now to consider becoming a foster parent with FCA.  

There are thousands of children up and down the UK who are currently waiting to become part of a loving family. These children have often experienced trauma, and through no fault of their own have been thrust into a life of uncertainty. By becoming a foster parent, you can become a pillar of security and safety for a child who feels they have no one to turn to, and no one to trust. 

How fostering changes lives

We asked a handful of our foster parents to share their experiences of what makes fostering an incredibly rewarding career and lifestyle choice. Our foster parents come from a range of backgrounds; some are single, others are in relationships. Some have fully dedicated their working lives to fostering, whereas others also choose to work a flexible job alongside caring for children at home. Our foster parents represent all cultures, ethnicities, faiths, genders, and sexualities.  

Everyone is encouraged to think about the difference they could make through fostering—we hope the stories of our current foster parents will help inspire you to make the change. Learn more about who can foster.  

“Each child that I’ve fostered has taught me something about myself, and they’ve taught me so much about how to help them. It’s also brought back my playfulness; I do lots of things with the children that I probably wouldn’t have done if I wasn’t fostering – they’ve enriched my life massively.” 

– Alison, single foster mum 

  

“Fostering has enriched our lives. To see the children experience new things is priceless.” 

-Phil and Stig, foster dads 

 

“Fostering is a lovely, pleasurable job. Yes, there are ups and downs, but the children we welcome into our care are all from different backgrounds. You’ve got to try and see beyond where they’ve come from. You must treat each child as an individual.” 

– Elaine, foster mum 

 

 “Our most cherished fostering moments involve looking back at all the photos from beginning to end and seeing the transformation. Seeing the change in the children we care for is truly special. The difference from start to finish is remarkable.’ 

– Sarah and Paul, foster couple 

 

“I would say to anybody who is thinking of fostering, that no matter how small the changes, you are making a difference. Always know in your heart that if you are doing your best, you are making a difference to a young person’s life. They may not realise now, but their experiences will last a lifetime.”  

– Debbie and Geoff, foster couple 

The benefits of fostering

Fostering can be hugely beneficial for both children and the caring and dedicated individuals who step up to become their foster parents. As a foster parent with FCA, you’ll benefit in so many ways: 

  • You’ll be changing the lives of children
  • You’ll be a pillar of support in your community
  • You’ll be working to reunite families
  • You’ll benefit from our generous fostering allowance and rewards
  • You’ll likely pay no tax on your allowance
  • You’ll have the support of professionals, including your own dedicated Supervising Social Worker 
  • You’ll benefit from our huge range of support for you, your own children and the children you care for, including support groups, free family days out and our exclusive discounts scheme 

Discover more about fostering 

Eager to learn more about what it’s like to be a foster parent? Check out our library of personal stories from our foster parents, or learn more about the process of becoming qualified to foster.  

Or, if you’re feeling ready to begin your journey, enquire with us today! 

Celebrating children’s achievements

FCA Yorks and Lincs Annual Achievements Day Event: A Celebration of Success

Our Annual Achievements Day event was once again a highlight of the social calendar for FCA Yorks and Lincs, bringing together children, foster parents, and the regional team to celebrate the incredible accomplishments of children of all ages. The day held at a fantastic venue was filled with joy, laughter and inspiration as nominees were recognised and awarded for their achievements.

The event featured heart warming moments captured in photos, including children and foster parents dancing, staff enjoying the Macarena, and Participation Officer Sarah meeting British former professional boxer Johnny Nelson.

We extend our gratitude to everyone who made this day so special. The achievements of these incredible children remind us why this event is so important. Here’s to celebrating even more successes this year!

Here is some feedback from the day:

“Thank you to everyone for an amazing day at the Achievement Awards. It’s been wonderful hearing and reading about all the amazing children nominated and celebrating their success. Such inspirational speakers and a fabulous venue – the girls thought it was a palace!”

“Thankyou for a lovely day at the achievement day. It was lovely to celebrate all of our incredible children. S was so happy with her award and we are so proud of her and our two very new family member who only arrived late last night they cooed amazingly well and in true S style took them straight under her wing and not forgetting our fabulous teens who were apparently to cool to attend. Also a massive thankyou to Helen from the Mansfield team for taking us and bringing us home and helping with the LOTS of trips to the toilet!”

There’s always a need for more foster parents, as so many children in the UK are in need of the love and protection of a safe and nurturing home. If you’d love to join FCA and help us to transform the lives of children up and down the country, call us on 0800 098 4156 or fill in our enquiry form to become part of the difference which lasts a lifetime.

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“Nothing compares to just how rewarding fostering is. There’s nothing like it.”

In 2018, Essex dad Steve stopped working to pursue his dream of fostering children who need a loving home.

After a long career Steve closed a number of businesses in 2018 and with his free time decided to foster, something he’d always wanted to do.

Steve said: “I’ve always been involved in children’s activities, from school governance to teaching first aid. I’ve also been interested in special educational needs and disabilities as our birth son has Aspergers.”

Alongside wife Maria, Steve is fostering two brothers aged 12 and 16 who have been with them  for the last four years. Steve continued: “We were approved to foster in 2019 as the time was right for us then. So I stopped working. My wife had started working after being a stay-at-home mum and raising our son so all in all it’s been a total role reversal for us.”

Steve’s foster children arrived just five days before lockdown as an emergency placement which was due to last four weeks, Steve said: “It was definitely a baptism of fire being thrown into lockdown so quickly, but we formed strong bonds as a family and really got to know each other. Now the boys don’t want to leave.”

Since their arrival, Steve and Maria have prioritised communication to help the boys come to terms with their pasts and be able to move forward, Steve said: “I’m a talker. I will talk about anything and have those really difficult conversations. In the beginning they weren’t able to talk about anything let alone what they’ve been through but now I can’t get them to stop talking!

“I look at how far these boys have come since they came to stay with us. They are totally different, well-balanced young men.”

Steve is also a foster parent rep for FCA Eastern across Essex, Norfolk, and Suffolk, to provide support to other foster parents in the community.

He credits his ‘great support network of friends and incredibly supportive family’ with welcoming the foster children into their lives and making them feel like part of the family, something he thinks is essential for those thinking about fostering.

Latest government statistics show that across Essex, Suffolk, and Norfolk, there are 3,360 children in care, so more foster parents are urgently needed.

Steve encourages anyone who thinks they could make a difference to find out more, he said: “If one person hears my story or understands the difference they can make then that’s huge.

“One person might not seem a lot but that’s a huge difference to a child’s life. Fostering can definitely be frustrating, but nothing compares to just how rewarding it is. There’s nothing like it.”

More fostering stories:

5 Reasons to Participate in the Big Sing Off

You may have already heard of The Big Sing Off, but if you haven’t, it’s our annual choir competition, similar to the X Factor and Last Choir Standing. Children, young people, foster parents, and staff come together for an unforgettable day of friendly competition, entertainment and fun.  

Our choirs start rehearsing months before the event in preparation for their performances. So, if you’re wondering whether you’d like to be involved next year, it’s time to start thinking about it now! Here are five reasons to join your region’s choir and participate in The Big Sing Off 2025.  

Big Sing Off

Why participate in The Big Sing Off? 

Meet new people 

The Big Sing Off is a fantastic opportunity to meet new people who share similar experiences to you. If you join a choir, you’ll meet regularly to practice your chosen song. On the day of the event, children and young people in foster care from all over the UK will travel to the Big Sing Off location, giving you plenty of chances to make new friends.  

Build your confidence 

Being part of a choir at The Big Sing Off means performing in front of an audience. While this may seem daunting, it could actually help you overcome stage fright and build your confidence. This experience will not only benefit you during school presentations but will also prepare you to ace job interviews in the future. 

Additionally, if you plan to pursue a career in the entertainment industry, performing in front of an audience will provide valuable practice and insight into what it may be like. 

Visit new places 

The Big Sing Off takes place in a new location every year, giving you opportunities to travel to new places and experience the specialities of the local community. This year, FCA Cymru won the bid to host the event in Wales. Hosts were dressed in traditional Welsh clothing and provided entertainment and activities based on their theme ‘The Greatest Showman’ and ‘Legends’. From circus-themed activities and workshops to candyfloss machines and magic mirror photo booths, each host region ensures you have a memorable experience. 

Have your say 

The Big Sing Off is all about you, so there are plenty of opportunities for you to have your say and showcase your creative ideas. This includes: 

  • Bid video – Children and young people from each region decide on their chosen theme before creating a video bid to host the event.  
  • Logo competition – every year, we run a logo competition for The Big Sing Off to reflect the year’s theme. The winning logo is then featured in the programme, leaflets, flags and more.  
  • Activities – The activities, entertainment, and food for the event are chosen by our children and young people. If you have an idea, we will listen and do our best to make it happen. 

Enjoy yourself 

Ultimately, The Big Sing Off is about having fun! Organisers Lisa and Sebu spend months bringing your ideas to life and ensuring everyone has an incredible day. The event is always full of surprises; this year, Britain’s Got Talent stars Afrikan Warriors wowed the audience with their acrobatics, and Welsh celebrities recorded good luck messages. At the end of the event, you’ll have a sense of accomplishment for performing in front of hundreds of people and memories for life.  

So, if you’d like to join your region’s choir, talk to your participation officer and start warming up those vocal cords. 

Tips for Your First Christmas Together as a Foster Family

Regardless of the type of fostering you provide, you’ll likely celebrate Christmas with a foster child at some point in your fostering journey. You may already have a few ideas up your sleeve, but if you need a little extra guidance, here are our tips to help you prepare for Christmas. 

Our top tips on how to prepare for Christmas 

Christmas is firmly on the horizon, and you may be visualising beautiful decorations, freshly baked gingerbread men and stockings full of presents. But, when preparing for the first Christmas with your foster child, whose images of Christmas could be very different, there are many things to consider. But we’re here to help you prepare so you’re ready for any challenges that may arise during this magical season. 

Supporting a Foster Child at Christmas

Recognise the impact of Christmas on your foster child 

Christmas, although a joyous time of year for many children, can be incredibly challenging for foster children. If they’ve only recently moved into care, this could be their first Christmas without their family. Christmas could also trigger distressing memories for foster children who’ve experienced difficult family dynamics, abuse and neglect. They also have to navigate the depictions of happy families in Christmas films and questions at school about their Christmas plans.  

So, when you’re preparing for Christmas, it’s essential to recognise the impact Christmas could have on your foster child’s well-being. Their emotions may be heightened, and their behaviour could change, so they’ll need your help to guide them through the festive season.  

At FCA, our therapists are on hand to support you in understanding the link between your foster child’s behaviour and their past experiences. This will enable you to respond in a therapeutic way throughout the festive period and beyond so they can heal from their trauma. 

Ask for their input 

Make getting prepared for Christmas a family affair. Including your foster child in the planning will show them that you value their input and want them to feel part of the family. It could also help ease anxiety about what will happen on Christmas day and during the lead-up because they’ll know what to expect. Details you could discuss with your foster child include: 

  • Traditions: Find out if they hold any Christmas traditions close to their heart and include some in your plans. For example, they may watch the same Christmas movie or attend a carol service every year.  
  • Food: Let them know what’s usually on the menu at Christmas and see if they have any preferences. They may not be used to a full-on Christmas dinner, selecting a simple alternative instead.  
  • Decorations: They could help you choose the style, colour and positioning of decorations around the house. They might like to add some festive cheer to their bedroom or keep things very simplistic if it’s triggering.  
  • Activities: From Christmas arts and crafts to ice skating, give them some activity choices and allow them to select their favourites. This way, you’ll only plan activities they’re comfortable participating in.  
  • Visitors: If you’re planning to have guests over the Christmas period, check to see if they’re okay with this and ensure they know exactly who’ll be visiting. It may be easier to visit friends and family at their homes instead so you can leave if it gets too much for your foster child.  

 

Stick to their routine 

Taking breaks from your usual routine can be refreshing; however, for children in care, a consistent routine can provide stability and a sense of safety. While it might be tempting to disrupt this routine for a couple of weeks, doing so could disorient your foster child and further heighten their emotions.  

So, during the Christmas holidays, stick to a familiar routine; for example, continue to have meals at the same time every day and adhere to their usual bedtimes. You could also include activities that are good for your foster child’s well-being, such as nature walks and quiet times where they can read or write their thoughts down in a journal. 

Have realistic expectations 

If you want to organise lots of festive fun, that’s brilliant, but Christmas can be particularly emotive for your foster child, and even if they say they’re okay with your plans now, they may change their mind later.  

It’s important to manage your expectations and be prepared for sudden changes to your plans. When discussing Christmas activities with your foster child, reassure them that it’s okay for them to change their mind. This could help alleviate any worries they may have about disappointing you. 

Remember, there is nothing wrong with having a quiet, calm and cosy Christmas. In fact, it could be the perfect opportunity to build a closer bond with your foster child. The main thing is that they feel loved, nurtured, and safe. 

Help them prepare for family time  

If your foster child has contact arrangements with their family, they may see them over Christmas and want to take some gifts or cards. So, consider going Christmas shopping together or spending an afternoon making festive cards.  

After your foster child sees their family, they may need some quiet time to reflect as the reality of not being with them on Christmas Day sinks in. If family time doesn’t go to plan, listen to their experience without judgment while offering comfort and support. 

Don’t go overboard on gifts 

It can be easy to get carried away when Christmas shopping, especially if you keep finding things you think your foster child would appreciate. However, receiving too many gifts on Christmas day could be overwhelming, and your foster child may not know how to respond. To avoid going overboard, ask your foster child to write a Christmas wish list and focus on purchasing a small number of meaningful presents instead. If you’re struggling with Christmas gift ideas, talk to other foster parents in our community. 

Gifts are only a small part of the Christmas experience, and it won’t be long until your foster child outgrows toys, games and clothes. So rather than putting too much pressure on yourself to find the perfect gifts, concentrate on enjoying each other’s company and creating positive memories.  

Look after your own well-being 

When you’re busy making Christmas plans, it can be easy to overlook your own well-being, and you could end up experiencing burnout. Make an effort to allocate time for yourself, even if it’s just having a nice hot bath every evening or going for a walk on your own. These small things can give you the headspace to organise your thoughts and feel ready to take on the next challenge.  

Don’t forget to tap into our support for foster parents. Whether you need guidance, advice, or just a listening ear, your dedicated social worker and our 24/7 helpline are only a phone call away. At FCA, we also host activities throughout the year, so contact your local centre to see what they’ve got planned for Christmas and share your experiences with other foster families. 

Christmas with foster child

Foster a child over Christmas 

If you don’t already foster and are considering fostering a child or have experience and want to switch to an agency committed to making a real difference in the lives of children, contact us today. At FCA, we provide you with the support, training, and resources you need to give children a happy childhood. Together, we can help children in care build positive memories, including Christmases full of love, laughter and joy. 

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